Crews demolish Ashland City bridge

It's carried travelers across the Harpeth River for over 80 years, but Monday morning a Midstate landmark came tumbling down in a matter of seconds.

Water lapped at the banks, birds nested on the shore. That's normally the soundtrack of the quiet community along the Harpeth River and Highway 49.

But today those sounds were drowned out by the roar of engines and the buzz over the end of a landmark.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation decided to tear down the old cantilever bridge on Monday. It had been carrying vehicles across the river since 1930. But last year TDOT began constructing a new bridge.

"I want to go closer, but you know, I don't want to blow up," said 12-year-old Blair King, who was one of dozens to come out to watch the bridge's implosion.

Crews shut down traffic on the new bridge while people braved the frigid temperatures for more than an hour waiting to see crews demolish the old bridge.

"It was about to hit the water, and then it went like it made a loud sound," said Blair. "It scared me."

The 80-plus year old piece of history was then imploded, reduced to scrap metal in the blink of an eye. What took years to build was gone in an instant.

"I just thought it would blow up and make the large noise, and then make another noise when it hit the water," said Blair.

The replacement bridge cost about $8 million and is expected to be complete by June 2014.

Slideshow

It's carried travelers across the Harpeth River near Ashland City for over 80 years, but Monday morning a Midstate landmark came tumbling down in a matter of seconds. Dozens of people came out to watch the demolition.More >

It's carried travelers across the Harpeth River near Ashland City for over 80 years, but Monday morning a Midstate landmark came tumbling down in a matter of seconds. Dozens of people came out to watch the demolition.More >

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